The waiver of the Jones Act which allows Finland to construct four Arctic Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard represents a significant point at which Arctic geopolitics, fishing rights, and maritime policy intersect. This crucial decision highlights the challenges arising from longstanding protective laws and the conditions presented by…
As the federal government shutdown extends into its third week, legislation unrelated to funding disputes, such as H.R. 3756, a bipartisan bill designed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing worldwide, remains stalled. Introduced in June 2025, this bill has been referred to multiple House committees and has yet…
The U.S. Coast Guard is leading extensive search and rescue operations in two rural Alaska communities that have been devastated by severe flooding, with dozens already rescued and efforts continuing to locate three missing residents. U.S. Coast Guard crews from Air Station Kodiak have successfully rescued 34 people from the…
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) delivered good news to the commercial fishing industry on Monday, October 6, 2025, when it was announced that it is nearly doubling the allowable harvest for the upcoming Bering Sea snow crab commercial fishing season. The increase marks a turning point for…
If you’ve been injured or fallen ill while working on a vessel, you may be wondering who pays for your medical treatment and how you’ll cover your bills while you recover. Many injured maritime workers don’t realize they’re entitled to medical benefits even if the accident was their own fault.…
A 27-year-old commercial fisherman died on September 3rd, 2025, following a workplace accident aboard a fishing vessel operating in the Aleutian Islands. Alaska State Troopers identified the deceased fisherman as Baxter Cox. According to Alaska State Trooper spokesman Austin McDaniel, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. while Cox…
The 130-foot TB DOMINION sank in Bremerton Marina on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, prompting an environmental response that has continued all week as crews work to contain diesel fuel contamination and assess ecological effects. The Washington State Department of Ecology was notified of the sinking on Wednesday afternoon, and the…
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has launched a new commercial fishing opportunity in Southeast Alaska waters, issuing commissioner’s permits for Pacific tuna harvesting in response to unusual conditions that have drawn these warm-water species into the eastern Gulf of Alaska. Commercial harvesters can now obtain the specialized…
The commercial fishing vessel that ran aground near Alaska’s Afognak Island, spilling thousands of gallons of diesel fuel into surrounding waters, was successfully towed to safety Friday September 5th, 2025, according to state environmental officials. The 120-foot F/V SEA ERN arrived at Kodiak Harbor at approximately 7 a.m., completing a…
The U.S. Coast Guard has ended its search for two individuals who were reported missing after a motorized catamaran capsized on Sunday night near Gold Beach, Oregon. A third individual present on the catamaran was rescued and taken to Gold Beach for medical assessment by local emergency services. Reports indicated…